The French Goûter

A mid-afternoon snack is something that exists in many cultures where people can afford it. It is known in Spain as “la Merienda”, in Italy as “Merenda”, whereas the most renowned and most likely widespread one is the afternoon tea, enjoyed primarily in the United Kingdom, and in many other countries as well. There is, however, a crucial difference between British tea time and the French goûter, which relies on the way it is perceived in the collective mindset of the people. While tea is, in principle, a rather formal meal around which adults can gather and talk, a goûter is by nature alone aimed at a much younger audience, repulsed by tea and partial to sweets and pastries. 

As a result, goûter inscribes itself in the mind of any French person as a nostalgic concept most adored. Coming home late from an eight-hour-long day of school, what else could your drowsy self do but eat? Homework can wait, hunger cannot. We have a saying in France that goes: “après l’effort, le réconfort” (after the effort, comfort), which applies to this situation very well. It’s a small compensation for the hard work that was provided during the day, and even a source of motivation for what is to come. I personally only have fond memories of this short time of the day, where I would come back home alone and enjoy an éclair à la vanille while watching snow falling down outside. Meanwhile, in summer, it becomes synonymous with holiday breaks. Goûters are organized for birthdays, simple friend gatherings, or even after-work events.